Predicting yield just got more accurate

Estimating end-of-season crop yields across large parts of the country can be difficult. USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report is often thought of as the gold standard for predicting yield accurately, as it’s based on near-real-time surveys and scientific analysis from the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

However, a new method developed by University of Illinois professor Kaiyu Guan and colleagues combines streams of data — from climate projections to satellite imagery — to estimate yield more accurately than WASDE.

“If we only used seasonal climate prediction data — temperature, rainfall and vapor pressure deficit — our predictions were no better than the USDA’s. It was only when we added the satellite data that we started to see the improvement. That’s a clear indication that satellite data is extremely useful in this case,” Guan says.

In August, WASDE was off by an average of 5.63 bushels per acre for corn, whereas Guan’s system got the number down to 4.37. 

Mycogen Seeds teams up with FFA to sell seed

FFA students from eight chapters are selling Mycogen seed in seven states this year. The Turn the Bag Blue & Gold program gives FFA students professional sales training as they help to raise funds for their local chapter, as well as the state and national organizations.

“We are not only dedicated to our farmers’ growth, but also the growth of young agricultural leaders,” says Blake Courtney, Mycogen marketing communications manager. “Last year, we piloted the program with six FFA chapters across corn-growing regions, donating more than $35,000 to local FFA chapters, the National FFA Organization and their respective state FFA associations.”

In collaboration with their local Mycogen territory manager and local retailer, FFA students will be offering corn hybrids throughout the fall that fit local geographies, including two Mycogen-brand TMF silage hybrids. 

Apply to develop conservation activity plan for EQIP

Applications are open until Nov. 2 for Illinois agricultural and forestry producers to apply for help creating a customized conservation activity plan. Once completed, the plan can be used in an application for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

A conservation activity plan is developed by National Resources Conservation Service-certified technical service providers. They work with individual producers to inventory their concerns and identify conservation practices. EQIP assistance is used to offer the following plans in Illinois:

Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan, Integrated Pest Management Plan, Nutrient Management Plan, Irrigation Water Management Plan, Forest Management Plan, Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Feed Management Plan, Drainage Water Management Plan, Grazing Management Plan, Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition, Prescribed Burning Plan, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, and Pollinator Habitat Enhancement Plan.

At this time, only conservation activity plans will be competing for EQIP funding. Producers can still apply for EQIP year-round at their local NRCS field office. Submit a signed application (NRCS-CPA-1200 form) to the local NRCS field office or submit one electronically through this gateway.